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The two chambers show distinct interactions with their environment due to their differing lithologies. In the Queen\u2019s Chamber, halite was identified as the main phase responsible for efflorescence on the massive limestone blocks. In the King\u2019s Chamber, kaolinization of granite minerals appears to drive salt efflorescence formation in the upper blocks. Importantly, this research reports the first in situ application of X-ray fluorescence imaging for the characterization of Aswan granite. By mapping elemental distributions and correlating them with mineralogical phases, a completely non-destructive analysis of the granite surfaces was possible. In addition, a chemometric approach is proposed as an alternative to imaging for mineral-phase differentiation based on spot measurements. 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Access to the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Giza Plateau, Egypt), including the Queen\u2019s and King\u2019s Chambers, as well as all in situ non-destructive investigations and targeted micro-sampling activities, were carried out under official authorization from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The study was conducted within the framework of the ScanPyramids mission and approved by the Permanent Scientific Committee of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). All site access, measurements, documentation, and sampling were performed with the knowledge and supervision of the responsible authorities of the Pyramids Archaeological Area. Micro-sampling was strictly limited to salts\u2019 efflorescence or naturally detached salt-affected samples (no stone samples were extracted), explicitly authorized, and designed to minimize impact on the monument. All samples were analyzed exclusively in Egypt, as described in the Materials and Methods section, at the Raw Building Materials and Processing Technology Research Institute (Housing and Building National Research Center, Cairo). No archaeological material was exported or removed from Egypt. All necessary permits and approvals were obtained prior to the field campaigns through the Supreme Council of Antiquities within the framework of the ScanPyramids mission (permit reference details available upon request).","order":3,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Permissions and ethical approval"}}],"article-number":"12586"}}